Elevator Safety Rules: Making Each Ride Problem-Free

Riding an elevator should be quick and hassle-free. As with other transport means, issues occasionally rise. But if addressed quickly, every trip up and down a building should be safe and smooth.

Responsibility for elevator safety may lie on building administrators, but that doesn’t mean that passengers have zero accountability. Both have parts to play: administrators are in charge of the structural and mechanical integrity and passengers have elevator etiquette to follow.

Are there surveys and certifications required?

Buildings must have in-house technicians who know the lift mechanisms (flaws included) very well. But compliance with regulations begins at construction. In New Zealand, consulting with engineers and surveyors at the beginning of construction will be advantageous because post -construction, buildings will undergo IQP inspections each year. After compliance with recommendations following the lift system checks, they’ll receive Form 12A Certificate of Compliance. This is a pre-requisite to getting a Building Warrant of Fitness (BWoF).

What are the ideal ways for boarding and exiting?

While waiting for the elevator to arrive, stand back and form a line if possible. Once it arrives, stand back and make way for people exiting the lift. Only step forward after everyone who meant to exit the lift has cleared the doorway. When exiting, the people nearest the doors should step off first.

How should I behave inside an elevator?

Given the limited space, avoid moving around because that will disturb other people in the lift. It’s also rude to play very loud music while inside the lift. Stay at the back if you’ll exit last. If your floor number is not yet pressed, you can ask the person nearest the panel to press it for you. Once your floor approaches, politely step forward to indicate that you will exit at the next stop.

When all parties do their part, everyone will be safe and comfortable while riding the elevator.